Google launches Spaces app for Group Sharing on Android and iOS

Google has launched a new app for group sharing experience called “Spaces” that lets people get together instantly to share around any topic. With Spaces, it’s simple to find and share articles, videos and images without leaving the app, since Google Search, YouTube, and Chrome come built in.

The company will be experimenting their new app this week a head of it’s 8th annual Google I/O software developer-focused conference in Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, California from 18th to 20th May, 2016.

“We’ve created a space for each session so that developers can connect with each other and Googlers around topics at I/O, and we’ve got a few surprises too. If you’re joining us in person at I/O, make sure you install Spaces on Android or iOS before you arrive!” the company said in a statement.

Upon opening Spaces for the first time, you will need to select/sign into your Gmail account (you might already be signed in).

You will then see a screen that lets you create a space. Tap Create a Space to start a topic about anything.

You will be brought to a screen with your space. Tap the Untitled Space area and enter a name for your space.

Once done, tap the Invite Via link below your space name to invite other people to join your newly-created space.

While on the screen for your new space, you can tap the Post button at the bottom to make your first post.

While on the Post screen, you will see four buttons at the bottom: link (Google Search), video (YouTube), image (your camera roll), quote (write a post). Choose from any of these options in order to compose and share a post to your space.

Make sure to tap the Post button to actually share something.

Once you share a post, you can tap on the post in your space to see it in a conversational view and maybe say something about it, or you can tap the […] symbol above it while on the Space screen to delete the post.

While on the Conversational view screen, you’ll notice five buttons at the bottom: quote (write a comment), link (Google Search) image (your camera roll), camera (take a picture or video), sticker (post a sticker). Choose from any of these options in order to contribute again to your space.

Spaces in Action

If someone has contributed to any of the spaces you’ve joined or created, you will receive a notification in the Activity center, which you can access from the main menu bar (at the bottom of most screens in the app).

You will also see a Spaces option in the main menu bar. Tap this option to see a collection of all the spaces you’ve joined or created. From there, tap on any space to open it. You can even create a new space from this screen.

To search your spaces, tap Spaces in the main menu bar. Your Spaces hub will appear, with a search field at the top. Enter a keyword or phrase to begin searching all your spaces.

To access Settings, tap the three-dot symbol at the top right of Spaces hub.

To manage which Gmail account you’re using with Spaces, tap your profile picture from any screen, such as the Spaces hub.

Upon opening Spaces on the web for the first time, you will need to select/sign into your Gmail account.

You will then see a main screen that lets you create a space. Click Create a Space to start a topic about anything.

You will be brought to a screen that lets you create a space. Click the Untitled Space area and enter a name for your space.

Once done, click the Invite Via link below your space name to invite other people to join your newly-created space.

You will then see a Post area with three buttons: link (add a link; can access Chrome extensions too), image (your camera roll), quote (write a post). Choose from any of these options in order to compose and share a post to your newly-created space.

Make sure to click the Post button to actually share something in your space. Everything you share and everything that other people share will appear in a conversational view below the Post area.

To see a collection of all the spaces you’ve joined or created, click the Spaces button in the top menu bar.

To search your spaces, click Spaces in the top menu bar. Your Spaces hub will appear, with a search field at the top. Enter a keyword or phrase to begin searching all your spaces.

If someone has contributed to any of the spaces you’ve joined or created, you will receive a notification in the Activity center, which you can access from the main screen (click Spaces in the top menu bar). The Activity Center will appear on the right-hand side of your Spaces hub.

The slide-out menu on the left also has links to your Spaces hub, Spaces built-in search function, Settings, and app downloads.

Spaces rolled out yesterday on Android, iOS, desktop, and mobile web for all Gmail accounts. Give it a try and create your first space.